EPLUS 3D has announced the launch of a nine-laser metal additive manufacturing system with three machine orders already confirmed with an unnamed aerospace company.
The EP-M1250 features a 1258 x 1258 x 1350 mm build volume which EPLUS believes ‘increases the potential for multi-metre metallic part development greatly’, while also offering advances in productivity and reliability.
EPLUS’ latest machine is compatible with titanium, aluminium, maraging steel and stainless steel, as well as nickel-based and chrome cobalt alloys. With these materials, EPLUS is expecting the EP-M1250 to be able to deliver large-size, high-precision and high-performance parts within the aerospace, aviation, automotive and machinery industries. Sample parts printed by EPLUS include a rocket engine nozzle expansion section printed in stainless steel in 160 hours, and a rocket compartment printed in In718 in a size of 630 x 630 x 1100 mm.
Among the key capabilities of the EP-M1250 are its optimised gas flow which sees the efficient removal of smoke and splashes, while also achieving uniform and consistent full size printing, as well as a build rate of up to 240 cm3/hour. EPLUS 3D also reports densities of up to 99.9% and <5% deviation in mechanical properties.
The company believes the introduction of the EP-M1250 is ‘the ideal 3D printing option’ for new and repaired metal components that require high structural integrity at an effective cost. It will exhibit a range of parts produced with the nine-laser machine at the upcoming Formnext event in Hall 12.0, Stand E22.
